Written by Kathryn Sarkis

With COVID casting a shadow on yet another winter, families are still looking for fun and safe activities to enjoy together or with friends. Outdoor ice rinks are a festive way to celebrate the season, and they can be found in just about any climate. Reservations are often required (especially this year), but tickets and skate rentals can usually be purchased ahead of time, leaving more time to get out on the ice.

These outdoor skating rinks dial up the winter vibes, offering skating fun for all ages, plus the sort of extras that elevate ice skating from pure exercise to a properly fun day out. Think decadent hot chocolate served rinkside, bumper car action, and even ice skating at the beach.

Whether you’re looking for something close to home or want to add a trip around the rink to a planned vacation, here are our top picks for outdoor ice skating this winter.

A session of skating at The Meritage and Vista Collina resorts’ Holiday Ice Rink in the Napa Valley just might convince you that wine isn’t the drink Napa should be best known for. Deliciously decadent hot chocolate from the lawn bar is the perfect way to kick back after skating to your heart’s content.

While the hot chocolate alone is enough to inspire you to lace up your skates, the ice rink also offers fun events each night of the week. Want to dial up the fun? Check out the rink’s available winter experiences, including a VIP igloos and s’mores at a rinkside fire pit.

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